MARIETTA, Ga. — The Thomas University Night Hawks wrapped up a breakthrough 2025–26 season on Thursday with a 55–40 road loss to Life University. Though the finale didn't fall their way, the year will be remembered as one of the strongest in program history: Thomas posted its best regular season since joining the SSAC, recorded the second‑most conference wins in program history, achieved its second‑best regular season record since 2015–2016, delivered the best home winning percentage ever, and completed the best season by a first‑year head coach in school history.
Thomas (13–15, 7–9 SSAC) stayed competitive early, trailing just 19–13 after the opening quarter. But the Night Hawks were held scoreless in the second frame, shooting 0‑for‑13 and committing six turnovers as Life built a 31–13 halftime advantage.
The Night Hawks bounced back out of the locker room with a 16‑point third quarter, their most efficient stretch of the night. Still, Life maintained full control, extending its largest lead to 20 early in the period.
Thomas finished the night shooting 28% from the field and 18% from three, while Life won the rebounding battle 43–28 and converted 15 points off turnovers. Life (16–10, 9–6 SSAC) was led by Aniyah Offutt's 15 points, five assists, and three steals, with Khloe Vaughn adding 13 points and Kaden McCorvey pulling down 10 boards.
The Night Hawks closed strong — scoring 11 points in the fourth and forcing seven turnovers — but the early gap proved too steep to overcome.
Zyi'Kiera King led Thomas with 11 points and seven rebounds, while Destiny Hill added 8 points and knocked down six free throws. Aaliyah Ringold contributed 5 points, and LaTarius Montgomery grabbed nine rebounds with four points inside.
The Night Hawks look to be either the sixth or seventh seed in the tournament with the top six seeds starting play on Thursday. If Thomas manages the sixth seed they will play UT Southern, Faulkner, or William Carey on Thursday, February 26th at 9:00am. If they are the seventh seed they will play ABAC on Wednesday, February 25th at 9:00 am.
